The Goldwell Open Air Museum

Home developers are quick to clear out the little bits of open land left in Las Vegas and Henderson, but locals and tourists alike can take solace in knowing that there is at least one stretch of barren desert and natural preservation that will never be developed over. Las Vegas' Springs Preserve offers over 180-acres of attractions focused to the conservation of desert life. The Springs Preserve is equipped with a full-sized biological garden, plenty of educational entertainment for children, and even access to two museums -- the Nevada State and Origen Museums.Best and worst time to go to the Springs PreserveThere are a lot of outdoor exhibits in the Springs Preserve, making it best to visit during the fall and spring. Visitors should look to avoid traversing the preserve during Las Vegas' more heated months of June through mid-September. The Springs Preserve puts on fantastical holiday displays for both Christmas and Halloween.Must see/do at the Springs PreserveLuckily for visitors, the Springs Preserve offers plenty to see and do. At the top of everybody's list should be the Nevada State Museum, which gives in-depth history to the creation of Las Vegas, early Native American tribes that inhabited the desert, and the great prehistoric beasts that once claimed these lands. The Origen Museum gives another look at the nature of Nevada, including a beautiful exhibit that uses over 5,000 gallons of water to recreate a flash flood.Learn about sustainability and how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle in the Sustainability Gallery, which features a life-sized garbage truck turned movie theater. A younger crowd can crawl through a compost pile to learn the benefits of the process and learn about sustainability through interactive video games. Complimenting the Sustainability Gallery is DesertSol, a 754-square foot that showcases innovation in solar energy.Finally the desert trails and Butterfly Habitat let you get up close and personal with nature. The trails offer 3.65 miles of untouched trails which show signs of thousands of years of history. In the Butterfly Habitat, you will experience how butterflies and local plant-life work together to create a steady ecosystem.Admission to the Springs PreserveAdmission to the Springs Preserve includes access to the Nevada State and Origen Museums, as well as entry to the Sustainability Gallery, the Butterfly Habitat, DesertSol, and the trails. General admissions ranges from $10 and is generally cheaper for Nevada Residents and students. The Springs Preserve also offers a military discount with appropriate ID.Parking and public transportation to the Springs PreserveParking is provided by the Springs Preserve and is located right outside the main entrance. A bus terminal across the street at the Meadows Mall is the most convenient stop for public transportation.Food at the Springs PreserveThe Springs Preserve has an on-site cafe, the Divine Cafe. Expect typical cafe fair such as sandwiches, soup, and salads with the added perk of a portion of the menu devoted to pizza. A lunch for two will run around $20 to $25 with drinks and a tip. The cafe also orders a weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, with omelets, frittatas, filet mignon, and plenty of options for the kids.Insider tip for visitors to the Springs PreserveKeep a close eye on the Springs Preserve schedule of attractions, as it quite frequently brings in a variety of special exhibits to its resident museums. You can expect traveling exhibits that focus on anything from an up-close look at our solar system to the wonders of rich, sweet chocolate.Author's bio: Mark is a Vegas local and freelance writer with expertise in Las Vegas nightlife, entertainment, and video gaming. Contact Mark and see more of his work at Prototype Freelancing.